Customer Reviews

Coolaroo Premier Window Sun Shade 8 Feet Wide by 6 Feet High, Desert Sand

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I first saw this shade in another company's catalog and I thought it would be perfect for our porch; however, since their price was pretty high I decided to do a search to see who else sold it. Amazon had not only a better price (for item & shipping) but also a better color for our house (desert sand) so I decided to give it a try. The shade arrived quickly and was very easy to install. We still need to make one small adjustment (turn of a screwdriver) so it won't unroll quite so easily in the wind (it wasn't windy when we put it up!) but otherwise we couldn't be happier. It definitely helps block the late afternoon sun so we can enjoy our porch without being blinded or sunburned! It also helps with privacy because you can see out but others can't really see in which is great! In case you're wondering, I've only given it 4 stars for now because we've only had it for a couple of weeks and don't know how it performs over time. Would definitely recommend this item to a friend.

I was looking at these blinds for a while and was having trouble deciding which color I liked. I decided to look for other images of the products so I could get a better idea of what they look liked installed. What I did find was that the "Designer" shade colors listed here are actually 1 color in the "Brisbane" series (Desert Sand) and 2 colors in the "Melbourne" series (Birch and Sandalwood.) The "Melbourne" are the 2 colors that WERE in Coolaroo's former "designer" series. (and the Brisbane used to be called "premier.")

Now, you are probably wondering what difference does it makes if the change the name? Well, the Melborne ones are usually more costly than the Brisbane (and the desert sand is indeed slightly cheaper here than the other two.) This is BECAUSE the Birch and Sandalwood are more tightly woven. These two colors are listed on other sites as offering 92% sun blockage, while the Desert Sand is only 80%. The "Select" series offered here on amazon (which coolaroo now calls "Outback" series) also offers 80% blockage, but the weave is different....almost like a zigzag versus the perpendicular nature of the weave in the other two series.

I am not sure if that 12% really makes that great of a difference, but I did want a the tightest weave for my very sunny back porch. I ultimately chose the "Birch" which is a sandy color with a few darker "threads." It is almost a beige color from a distance, you can only see the mottled colors up close.

I really REALLY like it. It is such a nice upgrade from those plastic "bamboo" type of shades that are often the only thing you can find. I hung my 6 foot one by myself, although it would have been easier with another person to help mark the brackets. I just made a template from the packing box. I drew the outline of the brackets and screw hole marks on the cardboard with sharpie, then taped the entire thing up so I could adjust placement to where I wanted it exactly without having to screw multiple times. I just screwed right through the cardboard then took the screws out, removed the cardboard, and my holes were in the perfect place to attach the brackets.

I do wish it were longer because my porch has a high ceiling, but it blocks most of the sun at 6-feet long. Also, with a high ceiling, the draw cord is not as long as the blind in the lowest position, but still long enough to reach while standing. The only thing I DON'T like is a spring tension bracket-thing that holds the cord at the bottom. It came pre-attached to the cord and I guess it keeps the cord taut and easy to work, but my walls are stone so I really can't attach it (I am not drilling into stones for a plastic bracket.)They don't show it in the pictures. I used it today by repeatedly moving the thing or depressing the release button with one hand and pulling the cord with the other, but it is sort of a pain. It mentions in the directions how to remove it to replace it, I may try to eliminate it all together and just have a plain old loop. I don't have young children who may get caught in the loop (another reason it may come pre-attached) and for my installation I can hook the looped cord out of the way.

It also has a track in the bottom rail to attach 2 hold down rings. I didn't know they were included (and not junky!!) and was very happy. I didn't want to fool with strings all the time, so I just used bungee cords with hooks and attached the other end to a ledge near my floor on windy days. The manual says the 6 foot one weighs about 7 pounds, and it felt close to that, not too heavy, no need for a thousand screws (just 4.)

Overall, I like it very much. It looks much more clean and nice than a cheapo outdoor blind. The corded pull makes it smooth and easy to raise and lower. Mine is on a porch, so it isn't in direct contact with rain, but the plastic fabric would withstand that...not sure about the mechanisms/brackets (though the brackets are enameled.) The weave filters out most of the sun, but is slightly sheer so you can still somewhat see out. (You see to the LIGHTER side, so don't expect complete privacy in a lighted room in the dark.) If it were 2-3 feet longer, I would give it ten stars!!

I was impressed immediately with how well this shade is made. I guess the final verdict will not be available for several years, but it looks quite strong, and the hardware that comes with it seems to be made to match. The fabric looks strong as well. We got it to shade a part of our patio which receives the afternoon sun, and since we live in a desert climate, a bit of shade makes a lot of difference. It does indeed provide the shade we wanted, although not quite as much as we'd hoped. I'd say about 50% of the sun still comes through, but that would be about right, given the weave of the fabric. It does make enough of a difference to satisfy us and make that portion of the patio much more usable. The shade is easy to mount, easy to operate, and looks great. We hope it will last for years, and I'd guess that it's made to do that.

We originally put two of these on our porch, and one on a big east-facing picture window and were so pleased that we've ordered another of the 6' ones for some french doors. Here in the Southwest, they make a huge difference. The porch stays noticeably cooler, and we don't have to keep the curtains drawn against the sun inside .

This sunshade was really hard to find locally. It seems they are mainly sold in the southwest. Shipping is terribly expensive due to the length. The blind material is more transparent than I was expecting. The harware appears adeqate. So far-so good.

This Coolaroo Sun Shade 6X6 Birch was delivered in a timely fashion. Although I have not installed it yet, I think it may do the job I anticipate it doing.

However, it was delivered with a broken small plastic piece inside the sealed shipping package. It appears to be a fairly minor piece, but I don't know that yet prior to installation; so, I called Coolaroo Customer Service yesterday morning to have the piece replaced. (It would fit in a small envelope). After being on hold for a period of time due to high volume of calls, I was given the option to leave my telephone number and they would return my call. I called again this morning after not hearing from them, and they still haven't returned my call as of this afternoon.

My concern with Coolaroo is that if they cannot return a customer service call within twenty-four hours or so, they either have an inordinate number of customer complaints about their products, or they are unconcerned about customer satisfaction. Either will make it unlikely that I will purchase any other products from Coolaroo.

This sun shade was exactly what I was looking for. It is easy to install, is see-through, provides protection from hot sun, while allowing air to flow through. I used it in a broadcast booth for announcers at a Cape Cod Baseball League ball game for the Cotuit Kettleers. The broadcasters could see through the screen to stay connected to the crowd while being spared the hot sun beating in on them. Perfect.

I bought these to drape across the open sides of our patio to block the sun, but the material is like gauze; you can see out of them like a window, and the sun shines through them just as brightly. I will have to buy an additional, thicker material to glue onto them to block the sun better. In the picture, they look much more solid than they are.

This is a good product but you can buy the same brand, same color, same size. In Home Depot $58.97 Usually Amazon has good prices but not this time.

easy to install and has done the trick for us! We have a 8 foot window in our bedroom that faces directly west into the setting sun. The bedroom is on the end of the house away from both AC units and has historically had a tough time keeping cool. Now that we have hung the Coolaroo in the window, it is much cooler....and the see through nature of the material just has us keep it extended almost all the time. It has certainly met my expectations and I am happy i purchased it.